The Keystone Research Center has released a new report that highlights the demographic impact of a higher minimum wage in Pennsylvania.
While all six states bordering Pennsylvania have raised their minimum wage in recent years, Pennsylvania’s has been stagnant at $7.25 per hour since 2009.
As a result, it has suppressed the earnings of more than 1 million Pennsylvania workers in low-paying jobs.
A statewide minimum wage increase to $15 by 2026 would benefit many in Philadelphia.
According to the report, 20% of the Philadelphia workforce representing 143,000 workers would benefit from a minimum wage increase.
Of those workers, 30% are over the age of 40 and 8% are 19 years old or younger.
In addition, 75% are people of color; 58% are women; 56% work full-time; 39% have at least some college education; and 32% are parents.
Read more about how a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour would benefit workers in Philadelphia and across the state at the Keystone Research Center.
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